Lifestyle

Friday, Aug. 13, 1999

Library volunteers enjoy pizza party

A pizza party honoring the volunteers at the Reeves County Library was
held recently, with several devoted library enthusiasts on hand.

"The library truly appreciates all their help," said Reeves County Librarian
Sally Perry. "The children's junior room is in terrific shape, more space
and easier availability with arrangement of shelved books," she said.

Some volunteers labeled, helped in the circulation area shelving, returned
loaned books and the library had many readers this summer, according to
Perry.

Pizza Hut provided the pizza, while La Tienda donated the drinks and
dessert.

Some of the more than 30 volunteers enjoyed the dinner and visiting
afterwards, according to Perry.

Problem solving day planned

The IRS will hold a Problem Solving Day in Fort Stockton to help individuals
and small-business owners who have long-standing tax problems with the
IRS.

The IRS Problem Solving Day and small business information event will
be held on Thursday, Aug. 26, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Pecos County
Civic Center.

The IRS Problem Solving Day offers taxpayers with long-standing tax
problems a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with IRS agents, managers
or the Taxpayer Advocate to find a solution. Many problems are resolved
at the initial meeting and all problems receive expedited attention from
the Taxpayer Advocate's Office of the IRS.

Britt receives wish from foundation

Jessica Britt, 18, of San Carlos will be granted a wish come true, through
a foundation well-known for its generosity.

Britt received a call from the Make-A-Wish Foundation recently offering
to grant her a wish - anything from shopping sprees to meeting celebrities.
The organization grants wishes up to $5,000 to children with life-theatening
illnesses.

Jessica suffers from a rare disease, nephropathic cystinosis, that attacks
the kidneys and other organs and is usually fatal before age 30. But her
disease, weekly dialysis and seven operations haven't held her back so
far. Jessica graduated with honors from Carlmont High in June, and plans
on attending University of California, Berkeley, in the fall to major in
computer science.

That's why no one was surprised at her wish: a computer store shopping
spree that will begin Saturday with a limo ride to San Francisco, where
Jessica, her mom and her sister will get to eat lunch anywhere and shop
for four hours.

Britt said she was excited about the spree and happy about finding out
about the group, which contacted her last month.

"I think it's so great to give kids that have so much hardship in life
something they'll remember forever," she said. "And it's helpful to have
a place to talk about your experiences with illness," she said.
The foundation serves 30 to 40 kids in the county each year. Wishes
are donated by everyone from national corporations to local police departments.

Despite frequent nausea, fatigue and undergoing multiple surgeries,
Jessica participated in cheerleading in high school and has designed Web
sites for the San Carlos School District, her mom and a glass business
in Sonoma.

In fact, after one of Jessica's surgeries her mom said Jessica woke
up in the hospital insistent on attending her calculus class.

"I think the doctors admired that kind of spirit," she said.

Jessica, who is on a waiting list for a kidney transplant, said her
family's optimism and their faith in God keeps her going.

Jessica is the daughter of Gayle Reynolds Britt and Ernest Britt of
San Carlos. Maternal grandparents are Elvia and Norma Jean Reynolds of
Pecos.

Also from Pecos, are her uncle and aunt, Randy and Lisa Reynolds, along
with several cousins. From Balmorhea are her uncle and aunt, Danny and
Gwenda Reynolds.